Meaning of "Evil Friends" by Portugal. The Man

The lyrics of "Evil Friends" explore themes of individuality, rebellion, and the rejection of societal expectations. The narrator asserts their independence and refuses to conform to the opinions and judgments of others. They declare that they cannot be anyone's friend, implying that friendship would require compromising their authenticity. The lines "Before you were born, I was already sinning" suggest that the narrator has always been true to themselves, even before others came into their lives. This highlights their sense of self-awareness and inner strength. The repeated phrase about the light not being brighter and not being evil, but simply refusing to pretend, resonates with the idea that the narrator values authenticity above all else. The line "I could never be your friend, I never needed a friend" emphasizes their self-reliance and independence, suggesting that they are content being alone and do not seek external validation. Overall, the lyrics of "Evil Friends" convey a strong message of embracing individuality and staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressure.